26 replies to this topic

[Selfdestruktor]

Hey dudes!

I seem to remember a thread here a few months back, with quite a lot of good generic information and some good brands to look at.
Anyway, a lot has changed since then, a bit with the technology and a LOT with pricing.
I'm just after some opinions, no matter how short or long, particularly on things that may not be immediately visible when auditioning the systems in the shops.
I'm not completely anal about anything in particular.... near enough is good enough. By brothers old 50" Vivo HD plasma is good enough for most of what I want.

I'm looking at buying a new television (yes, not TV, to get over the three letter search restriction!) in the next month or so, after having a very heavy and crappy Sansui 80cm widescreen CRT for years.
I want to spend as little over $2000 as possible, on at least a 50" screen. I'd really like a "55, and anything over that I can fit, but will probably be crappy in my price range.

Whether or not extra price (+), colour reproduction (+/- ??), 3D capabilities (+/- ??), etc. come into the equation or not, i'm pretty set on LED LCD technology.
I am considering power consumption, heat output and longevity, even though spread out over a year these probably have minimal affect on cash flow.

I'll admit that most of the time, it will be hooked up to my PC and playing highly compressed movies, but I do want to start buying blu ray discs and have them looking nice too.
Speaker quality doesn't really matter. I doubt i'll ever use them.

I'm not too sure about 3D. At that price point there's not many options available.
I do like the idea of LG's passive 3D system, although i've read that it isn't anywhere near as clear, or as vivid in bright light, as active shutter glasses.
I don't think a decent 3D LG is in my price range anyway, even at a stretch.
It would be good to have some capability, even if i'm the only one who gets to use it because of the price of glasses (live on my own at the moment).

In terms of affordable systems (i.e. I don't think i'll get a Sony to do what I want in my price range)i've experience different models of Samsung, Panasonic and LG, in that (decending) order of preference for overall image quality in the conditions i've seen them in. I absolutely LOVE Samsung PC monitors, and most mates i've spoken to rate the aforementioned brands in that order as well.
Remember, I live on the North-West coast of Tassie, we get a cut down variety of what everyone else gets

I don't have any particular brand loyalties, and haven't got anything proprietry (like a 'Viera link' player or anything).

I was going to stick firmly to main stream brands, but there are some quite good looking alternatives around.
I got an email catalogue from JB-Hifi today, and I must say that the 55" Hisense looks interesting (HL55T39PZLN3D).
I've been looking at some reviews, and they're very mixed (and a lot of bitching noobs) but it's pretty much the same with any other brand and model.
Just under $2000, it seems like a steal:
http://www.jbhifi.co...d-tv-sku-69079/

Anyway, enough typing from me, i'll let you do some

Edited by Selfdestruktor, 14 July 2011 - 10:45 PM.

[Captn_Awesome]

My 2c. I like the idea of 3D television HOWEVER from what I've read a lot of people with 3D TVs end up watching most 3D available content in 2D because the 3D becomes overbearing and often makes people sea sick. I read an article recently where one movie reviewer commented that a certain movie he watched was the second time he'd watched a 3D movie in 3D for the entire movie.

I think in a few years time either everything will be in 3D or 3D will dissapear. Im not convinced wither way. But if I was buying a TV I think 3D would be low on my list of priorities.

I love my Panasonic TH50-PZ800a which is a well and truely superseded model. My parents have the same and they have the replacement model at their holiday house which is better again. The only thing I dont like about mine is the reflective suround. That said when watching a movie I rarely notice it. Paired up with the PS3 for blueray, the Foxtel IQ2 for tv & movies and the Logitech Z5500s I think its a pretty good package.

In all honest I would be buying online from an authorised reseller. Warranty isnt an issue (I've had first hand experiance) and you can get far better deals. I think box movers and their commision paid pimply faced sales kids are in for a fright in future with online pricing on large purchase items like TVs and fridges etc. Plus f**k 'em they've near killed the specialist stores anyway.

Edit : online reviews I tend to take with a pinch of salt. 90% of people will only review a product when they have negitive comments to make.

[~Spyne~]

Getting a 55" LED TV for under $2k is a bit of a stretch IF you wanted to stick the big names - even from online retailers like Bing Lee. Kogan have a couple of 55" LED screens for ~$1600 that might do the trick. Or do the screw-down at your local box movers like JB/Good Guys/Harvey Norman and see if you can get an LG or Samsung

[SH00T]

Well, to appreciate good sound is one thing,.but to like color reproduction and image, and then limit yourself to an led screen, is like going to sound show with earmuffs on, I find your username is very apt.

[~Spyne~]

You clearly haven't seen the latest generation of LED panels then, SH00T. When calibrated correctly, they are as good as, if not better than, their plasma counterparts in just about all aspects (colour reproduction and refresh rate). The main difference are;
* Plasmas still have slightly better blacks (and only very slightly better)
* Plasmas have a slightly larger viewing angle
* LEDs are easier to view in well lit environments
* LEDs use significantly less power
* LEDs have a longer half-life (typically 30-50%)

Standard LCD panels however, are still behind the competition by a fair margin when it comes to picture quality.

[ubernoob]

SH00T, on 15 July 2011 - 04:33 PM, said:

Well, to appreciate good sound is one thing,.but to like color reproduction and image, and then limit yourself to an led screen, is like going to sound show with earmuffs on, I find your username is very apt.

What is wrong with LED TV's? I heard they aren't supposed to be great for larger 3D screens but why such hate for LED?

[2LOUD2OLD]

~Spyne~, on 15 July 2011 - 05:07 PM, said:

You clearly haven't seen the latest generation of LED panels then, SH00T. When calibrated correctly, they are as good as, if not better than, their plasma counterparts in just about all aspects (colour reproduction and refresh rate). The main difference are;
* Plasmas still have slightly better blacks (and only very slightly better)
* Plasmas have a slightly larger viewing angle
* LEDs are easier to view in well lit environments
* LEDs use significantly less power
* LEDs have a longer half-life (typically 30-50%)

Standard LCD panels however, are still behind the competition by a fair margin when it comes to picture quality.

you forgot plasmas are cheaper

I only recently bought a new tv, before doing my research I was convinced that I wanted LED, but quickly changed my tune and bought a plasma, yes LEDs are getting close to plasmas for picture quality but you pay a whole lot more for them. power usage isnt even all that bad in the plasmas, my new 51" plasma uses less power and produces less heat than my old 32" LCD

I paid $1300 for my 51" 3d plasma, I think you will struggle to find an LED in that size for that price from a reputable brand.
3d wasnt a consideration when buying it just so happened that the tv i wanted was 3d, i bought based off picture quality, availablilty and price.

I personally don't like LEDs, the picture looks almost computer generated where as I find the plasmas to have a much more natural look to them.i have a few friends with LEDs and i much prefer watching my plasma. although yes reflections can be a bit of a problem at times, but that is easy solved by closing the curtains

[~Spyne~]

yes, plasmas are a damn sight cheaper.
Contrary to what some might glean from my above post, Megan and I are looking to get a new TV in the next 3-4 months and I'm pretty sure I'll be buying a plasma - cheap, great pq, and I have a room that doesn't get a whole lot of direct sunlight.
But I do think LEDs are going to be VERY mainstream/common in the next 12-24 months. To the point where you might be hard-pressed to find new plasmas coming onto the market in 2 years.

[Cide]

http://www.jbhifi.co...t-tv-sku-68080/

[Cide]

also, i have a question for the TV officianado's why do plasma's not come smaller than 42"?

[fuddbutter]

I been looking at a new TV too.. keep getting drawn to the Sony EX520 LED LCD....
can have wifi which is a bonus (hopefully it will let me stream my movies to that tv)

only want a 40in as its going in the bedroom

[Selfdestruktor]

Lets do it!


Sparkles: 3D isn't something I will be making a lot of use of, just something i'd like to have available to play with from time to time. I've only seen one 3D movie, Toy Story 3, with my nephew at the cinema. It was quite hard on the eyes.
If the price difference to buy locally isn't that much, I will, but I have no particular loyalties to anyone. They've never done me any favours.
Which ever way, i'll get something with an in home warranty.
I agree with the reviews. A lot of the ones i've read are "whinge whinge whinge", followed by "errr, looks alright to me bro!".

Spyne: Not necessarily 'under' $2000, as that only gives a couple of choices within my chosen parameters, just not too far over.
I have looked at the Kogan site and have heard some pretty good things about the quality of their panels.
I have to make sure I account for ~$210 freight when comparing against JB, or the locals (nearest JB is a fair way away from me).

Sh00t: While I do appreciate the niceties, i'm willing to be flexible on some things to achieve others. I'm not going to sit there all the time picking tiny flaws, if there are some.

Spyne (again): Yeah, I have seen first hand that the plasma's are a bit better on the blacks, which has annoyed me in the past when watching a movie on a laptop.
In regard to viewing angle, I have MY chair and MY couch directly in front of the TV. Those people on the other couch and arm chairs can deal with it.
In terms of the positives you've highlighted, I have massive windows on all three sides of my loungeroom, and I already mentioned in the opening post that i'm thinking of power consumption (and heat).

2LOUD2OLD: I don't mind paying a bit more for an LED panel with similar attributes to a plasma. In the end, I think it will pay itself off anyway.
You make a good argument about the image quality, and if I have the ones available locally that I want to audition, and see that the plasma is SIGNIFICANTLY better, I may change my stubborn mind.
Yes, I have read that most plasmas are more reflective. Where the TV will go (which I don't want to change) faces two massive windows, and I don't like shutting the world out.
It's probably going to be hard to do a first hand comparison when most of the big panels are in dedicated theatre areas. Maybe I can take a big torch with me?!

Cide: You've pointed out what is probably my favourite TV/Monitor brand, at a price I can budget, and I was wondering why the hell I glossed over that one.
The reason is the refresh rate, which I should have mentioned in my opening post.
I've read quite a bit about 100Hz, although meeting the requirements, not being enough to produce decent 3D, and 200Hz+ is where it's at.
This is one of the reasons why I pointed out the Hisense, that JB has on their site.
Yes, I know I said that 3D isn't of the highest priority, but I don't want it to look 'bad'.
I'm guessing not all refresh rate ratings are created equal, though.
Any comments on that particular spec guys?

Sorry for the reading, but I like to be thorough, try to structure my sentences properly, and simply put the talking in my head down on the page.
Thanks for the comments so far!

Edited by Selfdestruktor, 15 July 2011 - 10:48 PM.

[Selfdestruktor]

Thought you might be interested in what I ended up going for.

The TV is the Samsung UA55D6600:
http://www.samsung.c...=led&returnurl=

I didn't really budget much for a blu ray player, but I ended up going the whole hog for a player and surround system in one. Samsung HT-D5530: http://www.samsung.c...tail&returnurl=

I ordered the blu ray player first, because I got an offer I couldn't refuse.
Most places had it at $579 at the cheaper end of the scale, Techbuy had it for $518 excluding freight (which is about $80, it's a huge box.)
I didn't really need the surround sound system, but it means that everything connects together for central control, and it was $329 for the blu ray player I wanted anyway.
I asked JB Hifi for a price match (without letting on that the Techbuy price was excluding freight) and they gave it to me for $510 including freight!

I was initially pretty firmly set on the Samsung UA55D6000, which i've seen for just over $2000 inc. freight, but it's only the 100HZ panel (200 CMR in Samsung language) and it lacks in a few other features I would have liked.
I chose the 6600 (200HZ, 400 CMR) instead, as long as it eventually dropped in price to fit my budget.

Harvey Norman had it locally for $3400, dropping to $3200 on special. Maybe $3000 at a squeeze.
Most cheaper places online had it for $2699, excluding freight.
A few ended up having it on sale for $2499, with TAV (http://www.thinkaudiovisual.com.au) including freight for that price.
I held off for another week, but then I noticed their price went up to $2699!
Apparently they had a cheap batch, at an end of financial year sale price.

I was going to order from a different company, but they rang me back and said that the supplier will stick with the cheaper price, and I got it for $2479 all up, including freight (to a business address only).

I really only wanted to spend $2500-2700, absolute maximum, but I don't think I did too bad.
I kinda like 2 minute noodles and baked beans anyway ;-)

Edit: Pretty sure it doesn't come with glasses, but i'm going to fleabay 3 pairs next pay anyway, and i'm still deciding how i'm going to set it up, so I don't know HDMI lengths, but i'm going to buy them from EzyHD (estimating a 5m from my PC and 2m from TV to BR/SS).

Edited by Selfdestruktor, 08 August 2011 - 11:28 PM.

[Gonadman2]

Screen real estate is king,sure you might see a few differences between models when they are side by side,but its much of a muchness once you get it tuned in to your viewing area (whichis different to a shop anyway!). In the end, the only thing that matters isdesired viewing distance vs resolution, this graph is great for that:



As you can see, most of the idiots (salesmen, friends of friends, etc) running around telling that 55" is as big as you need to go for the average lounge room are full of it, particularly if you want to enjoy 1080P material.


LCD's for bright lit daylight viewing, and plasma's for low light, situations that require blacker blacks.

And that's all you really need to know.

Edited by Gonadman2, 09 August 2011 - 02:24 PM.

[AJ (LOUDA1)]

Selfdestruktor, on 15 July 2011 - 10:47 PM, said:

Spyne (again): Yeah, I have seen first hand that the plasma's are a bit better on the blacks, which has annoyed me in the past when watching a movie on a laptop.
In regard to viewing angle, I have MY chair and MY couch directly in front of the TV. Those people on the other couch and arm chairs can deal with it.
In terms of the positives you've highlighted, I have massive windows on all three sides of my loungeroom, and I already mentioned in the opening post that i'm thinking of power consumption (and heat).

Yes, I know I said that 3D isn't of the highest priority, but I don't want it to look 'bad'.
I'm guessing not all refresh rate ratings are created equal, though.

HAHAHA Im the same... i know that everyones got different preferences but i have had nothing but good from samsung... i have a 50" 3D Plasma that i got with a deal and got a free 22"led tv and 5 pairs of 3D glasses and movies and the only flaw that ive found with the tv is being a plasma when im roaming the internet for hours at a time the window burns into the screen but if you watch tv for 5 mins it goes away and the only time you really mnotice it when its really bad is when the screens black... screen is obviously 1080p and ive watched a few 3d movies and played 3d games and i quite enjoy them but some people that ive talked to said they find it makes them a little uneasy..

my setup is

-50" samsung 3D Plasma optical to amp
-Xbox 360 hdmi to tv optical to amp
-Laptop (soon to be tower) hdmi to tv
-Sony Muteki 7.2 channel surround sound.
in a dedicated entertainment room with faux suede recliner centred for my and a couple of old recliners either side for other ppl

honestly the last thing id upgrade is the tv, the surround sound i picked up for $600 so cant complain

so in other words id take a samsung plasma first for under $2000

Edited by AJ (LOUDA1), 09 August 2011 - 03:15 PM.